Nashik: Clean water diverted to STP near confluence

The 20-feet high waterfall at the confluence of Godavari river and its tributary Waghari

NASHIK: The stretch from the Elephant bridge near Nag Chowk at Panchavati to the confluence of Godavari river with its tributary Waghadi is home to mounds of garbage and innumerable encroachments. There is a waterfall, around 20-feet high, near the confluence whose water has been diverted to the sewage treatment plant, which environmentalists claim have concealed the springs . Environment activists Nishikant Pagare, Amit Kulkarni, Sunil Pardeshi, Yogesh Barve, Vinod Sansare, Nilesh Dhuse, Vedprakash Vyas, Vishal Patil and others visited the aforementioned patch along the river recently. "There is a waterfall in this area on Waghadi river, like in Someshwar, which flows from a height of around 15-20 feet. There was no foam in the waterfall. The water has been diverted to the STP, as a result of which the live streams have been destroyed by the administration," said Pagare. In many places, besides encroachments on the riverbed, public toilets have been constructed on both sides of the bridge. "In some places, drainage pipes from these toilets are directly releasing sewage into the river. Drain water is also being released into the river. Some nearby houses have installed drainage pipes which are directly pouring into the river. Two cement pipes below the new vegetable market at Ganeshwadi releases the sewage water directly into Godavari, thereby affecting the natural flow of the river.These pipes carry drainage water, plastic and garbage along with the river water," said Pagare. The environmentalists said that the top portion of the waterfall has turned concrete. In some places, water can be seen sprinkling from the rocks, indicating that the natural streams have been stifled.

"The waterfall can be developed into a tourist spot. The administration can keep the river clean by employing people and giving them the responsibility of ensuring river cleanliness. Since no foam can be spotted in the waterfall, it is safe to conclude that pure water is flowing from the top. This water should have been released into the river but instead, is being diverted to the STP along with sewage. Only sewage should have been diverted," said Pagare. An NMC official admitted that natural water was being diverted along with sewage. "Under the smart city plan, we are laying a pipeline from Gadge Maharaj bridge to both sides of Waghadi river, Laxman Jhula bridge. The work, which will be completed in a couple of days, will help arrest the water and only sewage will be diverted. This will start after the model code of conduct is lifted. Maximum issues will be resolved with the smart city works," said the official adding that the garbage and encroachments would also be cleared soon.